The production of mobile phones in Bangladesh experienced a slight increase in September, with a total increase of 1.14 lakh units compared with that in the previous month.
According to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission data, the total number of mobile phones produced in the country in September was 25.17 lakh units, inching up from 24.03 lakh units manufactured in August.
Majority of the phones, a total of 16.06 lakh units, were equipped with 2G technology. Meanwhile, 9.09 lakh units were 4G-enabled and 0.03 lakh units featured the latest 5G technology.
The 4G-enabled mobile phone production witnessed a substantial increase in September compared with that in August.
The total increase in 4G-enabled mobile phones was 2.1 lakh in September, up from 6.99 lakh units produced in the previous month.
In July, the total number of mobile phone production stood at 27.09 lakh units, and in June, it was at 26.03 lakh units.
Despite the overall increase in production, there was a significant decrease in the production of 5G technology-enabled mobile phones in September.
The total production of 5G phones in September was 0.03 lakh units, a substantial decrease compared with that of 0.60 lakh units produced in August.
Feature phones, which are primarily 2G devices, dominated the production numbers in September.
These phones accounted for 63.79 per cent of the total units manufactured, highlighting their continued popularity and demand.
In contrast, smartphones, which are more technologically advanced, made up 36.21 per cent of the production amount.
However, the production of smartphones increased in September, compared with that of 29.93 per cent of the total units manufactured in August.
The BTRC data also showed that there has been no production of 3G mobile phones in the country since January 2023.
This shift likely reflects the global move towards newer technologies, with manufacturers focusing on 4G and 5G devices instead.
The import of mobile phones into Bangladesh also saw changes in September. There was an increase in imports by 9,295 units compared with that in the previous month.
In September, 19,515 mobile phones were imported, while in August, the number was 10,220 units.
Of the phones imported in September, 18,500 were 4G technology-enabled and the remaining 1,015 units were 5G technology-enabled.
